Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Is the scope of your home design project beyond simply replacing countertops or flooring? It’s the responsibility of a Corte Madera home architect to transform human needs and desires into visual concepts and habitable structures. When you hire an architectural designer, you are not only hiring someone for their architectural services, but also to manage and coordinate other parties involved in the project. As you search through Corte Madera, CA interior architects and designers, keep in mind the following tips to help you choose the perfect one: More

Paramount to our point of view on design and building are well thought out space plans that are then, "built from the finishes in." Captivating sight lines are nothing if the space they occupy isn't extremely functional. We devote a great deal of design time studying all possible options for floor plan, furniture, and built-in cabinetry design to maximize every square inch of a home. It's critical that the floor plan is logical and efficient and that every transition between design elements flows. No matter the price point of the home or the finishes used, well thought out space plans are at the foundation for the most successful designs.
We believe that balance and timeless beauty are critical, as are perfectly executed details and transitions. In any genre, authenticity, quality products & materials and classic key elements are key.
We are a very busy and active family. Our custom home that we designed and built is the hub of all of our work, play and frequent entertaining. Our lifestyle inextricably woven into our work and has served well in informing our point of view on creating successful family homes.

DM+A is an award-winning full service architecture firm based in San Francisco that creates stunning, innovative structures and spaces in which to work, play and live.
After an impressive career designing some of the world’s most prestigious projects, architect Gregg De Meza assembled a crew of talented architects and interior designers, launching De Meza + Architecture + Interiors in 2003.
DM+A is a small, but mighty practice with big vision: boutique enough to provide exceptional service, but large and nimble enough to tackle projects ranging from high-rise pied a terre remodels to custom home design. Gregg and his team specialize in creating modern, clean and noteworthy design solutions for discerning residential clients.

Heydt Designs is a boutique residential design firm located in Sausalito, California offering comprehensive residential design services and construction documents for fine, detailed, and thoughtful homes throughout the Bay Area.
Principal, Leigha Heydt has been in the home improvement industry since 1993 when she renovated a 1922 Tudor in the historic Rockridge District of Oakland, California. Over the years, she owned and operated a landscape design/build business as well as a residential design/build construction company serving clients in Marin County, CA. In 2004 she transitioned into design services exclusively.
Leigha is licensed by the State of California as a Class "B" General Building Contractor. Currently she offers start-to-finish design services for fine homes throughout the Bay Area including complete construction documents for new homes and construction observation.
Leigha's design philosophy can be summed up in the following words: Authenticity, Quality, Simplicity, Detail, and Connection. Connecting indoor environments to exterior ones is a passion of hers.
Leigha lives with her family in the coastal hills of Sausalito, California. She enjoys nature, fitness, cooking, travel, and all things design. She loves working with fun families, turning their visions and dreams into a tangible realities they call home.

BEST OF HOUZZ (DESIGN): 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
BEST OF HOUZZ (CUSTOMER SERVICE): 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
HOUZZ ADVICE GURU: 2016
Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc. was founded on the belief that client involvement and a positive relationship is the key to a successful project, and we are committed to a team-oriented approach in all phases of the design process. We believe in the value of collaboration within our office, with our consultant team, the building contractor, and most importantly, the owner.
When you hire Studio S Squared Architecture, you partner with a diverse, dynamic team of experts who will help guide you through the entire design process, from initial concepts all the way through construction. We consistently deliver outstanding design that makes the most of your budget—along with innovative ideas that transform your space into something truly extraordinary.
Our practical experience covers the entire spectrum of projects, from small commercial remodels to large corporate campuses, from single family homes to multi-family buildings. The common thread in our buildings is the belief that architecture can lift the spirit, and that great relationships make great architecture possible.
Great architecture involves more than using our expertise to navigate governmental approvals. Clients look to us to take their ideas and elevate them into a design uniquely tailored to their site, personal, and business needs. We work to keep the lines of communication with clients open at all times to ensure that we can craft a building that is uniquely their own. With this approach, it is possible to create a “signature” building with every project we design.
Our firm is committed to conservation and wise use of our natural resources, and minimizing our projects' impact on both the built and unbuilt environment. We also commit a percentage of our billable hours every year to local non-profits in need of pro bono or reduced-cost architectural services.

Founded in San Francisco in 1980, Gast Architects is an eleven-person, service-oriented practice specializing in custom residential homes and renovations, including the sensitive restoration and adaptation of historic properties. We offer comprehensive architectural services and take pride in the close working relationships we develop with our clients in responding to their needs, taste, budget and schedule, while maintaining architectural design excellence. Sustainable design strategies are integral to the design process, and several on our team are experienced LEED Accredited Professionals.
Our projects range in scope from the development of large country properties and inner city whole house renovations to more modest additions to and remodeling of existing housing in styles from warm modern to traditional. We enjoy, and are skilled at, working with the limitations and opportunities inherent in renovating or adding to existing structures. Our long-term relationships with contractors, craftspeople and consultants strengthen the trust and effective team communication necessary for producing superior results.
Having practiced in the Bay Area for decades, we know the local Planning and Building agencies and their staffs, and how to work with them to secure code interpretations before problems arise. We have represented our clients successfully before commissions, design review panels and appeal boards, and are adept at moving our projects through the approvals maze.

With over 30+ years in practice, I work closely with my clients, carefully consolidating their vision, expectations and budget. My design solutions are creative, thoughtful, and practical; always taking into consideration the context and surroundings, including flow, views, quality of the space and use of natural light. I strive to maximize the potential of each project, pay attention to detail, adding suggestions that might initially not have been contemplated.
-AIA award for "Excellence in Residential Design" for a single-family residence, Oakland,CA
-BAHA- Preservation Awary, Berkeley, CA

Projects ranging from Silicon Valley to Wine Country, from urban San Francisco to open country in Saratoga, bay side homes in Tiburon to the neighborhoods of Menlo Park and Atherton, working with the best builders in California, designing new homes and remodels, both outside and inside, we provide a seamless start to finish process. Creating buildings and spaces for living and working that are simple, efficient and unique to the owners and problems that need to be solved. The solution is the coming together of all these elements, which can be modern with elegant proportions or a transition between traditional and contemporary that benefits both.
Provided are full design services including extensive 3D modeling, planning and building department coordination, color, materials and lighting design, and construction supervision through project completion. Our process involves several builder pricing sessions until the design and cost are comfortable. Builders we work with are known by us to be reliable, proven and experienced in working with us, creating the details and familiar with the manufacturers and materials we utilize. Detailed time schedules are made to describe the project milestones so the process can be planned and controlled.
With over twenty years of experience, our design team works within a system that ensures that clients’ goals are achieved, control over budget is maintained and the project moves forward in a logical, consistent manner. The design, permit, bid and construction process may seem dizzying—our goal is to create a manageable process with gratifying end results. Our knowledge of colors, materials, plumbing fixtures, hardware, doors and windows, appliances, lighting fixtures, give owners total control over the end result. Recommended is everything needed to move into the finished product.

BEST OF HOUZZ (DESIGN): 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 ; BEST OF HOUZZ (CUSTOMER SERVICE): 2016, 2013, Mark English AIA and his associates at Mark English Architects create beautiful modern architecture, exploring the power of simple forms and spaces specific to place and client desire. Since its founding in 1992, Mark English Architects has designed numerous residential and entertainment spaces throughout California, Arizona, Texas and Mexico. The firm has a special interest in building in the urban context, with half of its work occurring in San Francisco.
Mark English Architects offers a designer's sense of artistry, supported by practical knowledge gained from years of direct hands-on building experience, having worked as a carpenter on his first realized home design at the age of 19. The team respectfully guides the the client towards what could, and what should, happen in a space - so that they are both pleased and surprised by the results.
Mark's undergraduate experience at CalPoly included rigorous training in engineering and structural principles. Incorporating practical experience with structural systems and energy efficiency to the project early helps to streamline the design process.
Graduate studies at the Syracuse University campus in Florence, Italy complemented Mark's interests in Greco-roman and Mesoamerican archaeology and history.
As a licensed architect, Mark has supported the profession and his colleagues through participation in the AIA, the local AIA's Small Business Committee, and by coaching his peers on new strategies for social media and marketing. He has also promoted principles of energy-efficient design as it relates to compliance with California's Title 24 energy code, as well as green building programs such as Green-point Rating and the California Solar Initiative.
Mark English is the editor of two respected online magazines, and along with co-editor and writer Rebecca Firestone, has created a forum for the local architectural community with"The Architects' Take". A second online publication, "Green Compliance Plus" features residential energy compliance case studies and advice, as well as serving as a portal for Residential Title-24 services tailored for architects as clients.
The Firm is located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood.

Feldman Architecture is an award-winning residential design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully detailed. Highly collaborative in nature, the firm approaches design as a dialogue between client, design team and site. Each project is an opportunity to create an innovative solution that is relevant to the project environs and tailored to a clients' specific needs.
The studio's culture is also informal and non-hierarchical; members of the small firm work with clients in an engaging, shared process to find smart and sustainable solutions. Closely guiding projects from design through construction, designers and project managers are deeply involved in research and probing the parameters of a project. Strong alliances with consultants, builders and artisans contribute to carefully informed design decisions and result in fully realized projects with conceptual clarity and precise detailing.

We are architects of homes. Our projects range from small remodels to large scale residences. On every project our mission is to collaborate with our clients to understand the unique context of their project, and together create an inspirational, sustainable, and lasting addition to the built environment.
WA design was established in 1985 by David Stark Wilson, AIA. Our design philosophy emphasizes the inter-relationship of building and site. Each design begins as a considered response to a set of criteria dictated by the site and client. Although progressive in approach, our designs draw heavily on the vernacular building of the area in which we are working. Ordering principles for a given project borrow from their context and often metaphorically relate to the natural landscape. This connects our buildings to their specific site and circumstance in a meaningful way.
A crucial component of the overall design objective on each project is to apply the design of sustainable and solar features as an integral component of the architecture. From initial building siting concepts through building organization and material selection, each phase is approached with sustainable ideas at the forefront of the design decisions.

JTA is a boutique architecture firm who specializes in residential remodels, additions and new construction, as well as small commercial projects. Our style is contemporary and approachable, with a preference for clean and uncluttered design, whether is it a traditional or modern project. Our work is informed by a rich modern aesthetic and by the belief that form and function can be perfectly married, that high design can be accomplished on an economically rational basis, and that buildings foster uplifting experiences for their users.
JTA’s clients speak highly of the responsiveness and ability to understand their design preferences and practical requirements, to complement their own thinking with fresh, creative and innovative ideas, and to execute plans quickly and efficiently. JTA strives to ensure that the creative process continues through all phases of design and construction, creating modern, contemporary and stylish spaces.
If you are looking to design your dream home, give us a call at (650) 488-6154 or click the "Contact Me" button to send us a message. We look forward to working with you!

Our clients come to us dissatisfied with what is. They have tastes and convictions, budgets and constraints. They live in neighborhoods as well as houses. They envision a more workable life.
We have the skill to transform challenging spaces into living solutions. We’re practical, realistic, honest. We ask a million questions: How do you want to live? What do you need? Working together, we free up possibility. We capture your dream and give it dimension.
The process is often as beautiful as the result.

Robin McCarthy is a California licensed architect who specializes in residential architecture. My company, Arch Studio, Inc., is a full-service architectural design studio that can help you plan your design project from beginning to end. We specialize in custom residential remodels, additions, and brand new construction. Please check out my website www.archstudioinc.com for more information.
Best of Houzz 2014, 2015 and 2016 - in Design, Service, and Client Satisfaction.
Your portfolio was voted most popular by the Houzz community.

Klopf Architecture brings the outside in. For 15 years the team at Klopf Architecture has sought to understand each client's needs, then designed custom solutions for each unique situation. Specializing in new warm, modern homes and modernist net-zero energy houses, the firm uses clean lines, proportioning, restful alignments, and natural materials to admit natural light and connect inhabitants with nature. The firm's primary goal is to create spaces people love to inhabit.

HDA is a well renowned, dynamic firm with an unusually diverse range of experiences. Our success has been based upon innovative solutions that come from thoughtfully responding to our client, the project constraints and to the inspiration of the context.
The firm integrates a very broad background into each project with the knowledge that the most fulfilling design is in the poetic resolution of a set of spatial needs.
The success of HDA projects is based upon an open approach where design develops and evolves through a rich process. Sketches, models, 3D imagery and diagrams all form sources of inspiration and communication essential to realizing a project's full potential. Clients are afforded the opportunity to engage the design process through an approachable way. We customize the meetings and presentations in whatever speaks most clearly to them.

Featured Reviews for Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Heather Wright Architects

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Aug 12, 2018

“We lost our home in the Tubbs fire in October 2017. Heather has been such an incredible member of our re-build team. We would be lost without her. She has been such a wealth of knowledge, really dependable and a great team player. It's so nice to have such a strong resource on your side during an emotional rebuild. It's so critical for an architect to not only be knowledgeable about local building codes, but to also have a strong network of subs and referrals. We appreciate her work, partnership and friendship through this process. We can't recommend her highly enough.”

Robert Stiles Architecture

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Oct 24, 2013

“We have worked with Rob for several years now on a few projects and he always does an amazing job. In addition to being an extremely talented architect, he is very easy to work with. We completely gutted our kitchen and Rob oversaw the entire project while we were away. I had assumed that we would need to hire a kitchen designer along with an architect, but Rob was able to design a beautiful and also incredibly functional kitchen. Having lived with our new kitchen for over 2 years now, there isn't a single thing I would change. He has a great aesthetic and was also extremely helpful in picking out hardware, lighting, and appliances. We have also had him work on the outside of our house and he is currently working on several bedrooms, bathrooms and an office. Rob is very efficient and detail oriented - his drawings are very thorough which always helps make the projects go smoothly.”

MW design Inc

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Jul 17, 2015

“Wow! We can't really say enough about how great Matt was to work with. We came to him after already having some pretty solid ideas, but he did a fantastic job of walking the line between respecting what we had already decided and adding some suggestions that might work better. After being frustrated with a lack of response from contractors, painters, tilers, and others involved in a remodel, it was so refreshing to find Matt and his promptness in replying to our emails. Having gotten used to having to wait a few days to hear from others, it was so great to hear back from Matt within a few hours. Matt was extremely helpful with linking us up with engineers and other subcontractors, including working with the city regarding permits and passing along some discounts that he was able to get for certain supplies. We have already recommended him to a few other friends and would not hesitate to do so again in the future.”

Ogle Design

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Apr 18, 2017

“Consistently refreshing creative architectural designs. William is a unique architect that understands deeply how to create highly functional buildings that are both efficient and gorgeous. Great work and extremely professional. Highly recommend.”

Chris Ridgway Architect Inc

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Oct 8, 2017

“I have worked with Chris on four projects to date including a remodeling project my contractor husband built, our own home design/build, a public park project and currently the construction of a barn. He is creative, pragmatic and fun to work with. He will embrace your ideas and make them better.
This review is based on projects done in 2001, 2007, 2008 and 2017, with construction costs between $125,000 and $600,000.”

Richardson Architects

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Jan 14, 2014

“Heidi Richardson is a fantastic, collaborative architect. We hired Richardson Architects in 1996 for the remodel/great room addition of our single-story house in Palo Alto built in the 1950s. Her design skills are obvious, but beyond that I want to highlight her professionalism, honesty, and reliability - promises were kept, things delivered on time, budgets were followed. Her office in Mill Valley (then Sausalito) was a bit far from us, but communication with her was excellent, we had an initial meeting at the site before purchase, then a meeting at our prior home in Mountain View, then several in-person meetings at her office, and almost daily communication during construction via faxes, emails, and phone calls. She is extremely quick and effective with her time, and was key to the success of the project. My wife and I shared many ideas which she edited and integrated into the design, and it was a joy to work together with her.
More recently (2012), Heidi helped us with a much smaller bathroom remodel and with concept-phase ideas for a backyard cottage.
I would not hesitate to work with her again.”

Urrutia Design

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Nov 30, 2016

“We worked with Urrutia Design on a complete home renovation. Jason and Martha listened to our ideas and translated them into their design aesthetic. Their cohesive design runs throughout the entire house and they incorporated our family's specific needs resulting in a more usable, beautiful space. We are thrilled with our new home!”

Gregory Dedona Architect

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Jul 9, 2013

“I'm the fortunate and proud owner of two custom homes designed by Greg Dedona. One is in Mill Valley, Marin County (1999, remodel) and the other is in McCloud, Siskiyou County (2013, tear-down & full new construction). Greg's mastery of design, materials and construction processes created two stunning, unique, buildable and affordable homes. His ability to creatively merge our family's goals, an evolving joint vision for the houses and the highly different administrative processes of these two sharply contrasting counties was something I believe very few (if any?) other architects could achieve.
From the most rural contractor resources in Siskiyou to the most experienced and high-end pros in Marin, Greg demonstrated an ability to forge loose and disparate bands of craftsmen into a cohesive team. His leadership was respected by everyone involved - strikingly unusual in the often friction-plagued relationships one sees between contractor and architect.
Perhaps most creatively, our McCloud home made great use of owner-procured (i.e., salvaged!) locally sourced, recycled materials - 100 yr old wood floors, replaned structural doug fir for interior trim, refurbished Wedgewood kitchen stoves etc.. In sharp contrast to architects who often scorn such an approach, Greg was invaluable in his advice on how to make these materials work. He helped us source many of them through his amazing array of contacts not just in Marin, but from Tahoe to the Oregon border.
Highest possible rating...were there a lifetime achievement award for residential architecture in California, Greg Dedona has already earned it.”

ODS Architecture

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Aug 25, 2012

“The staff at Ohashi Design Studio helped me design my kitchen/living space. I wanted to open up our galley kitchen to be able to see our incredible view from the kitchen. They came up with a design I never imagined could work so well. Rather than just remove a wall, they moved the kitchen, changed it to a more functional shape and not only opened up the view, but made the living space feel like we were outside. I have been especially impressed with their level of service. They listened to my dreams and goals and turned it into a reality beyond what I'd hoped for. They were available anytime I needed guidance during construction and made sure the project was built down to the finest details. They helped me find a contractor and oversaw the bidding process. They helped pick out all the materials and finishes, even the paint color. I can't say enough about their level of expertise and professionalism. I worked with Dave and Alan.”

DNM Architecture

Corte Madera, CA Architects and Building Designers

Dec 31, 2012

“Some of the many things I appreciate about David Marlatt, my architect on a large and fairly complex home project: He is imaginative, personable, calm, prompt, works extremely well with contractors and vendors, delivers designs / changes promptly. Not only an excellent sense of design architecturally, but also for interiors, fixtures, etc. Thorough practical knowledge base and expertise in dealing with the multitude of City / regulatory issues. Everything - design, budgets, timing, etc - is thought through carefully, and from many angles. Thoroughly receptive to client preferences, but will also be directive when needed. As his client, I'm am never in doubt that my interests are his highest priority.
Plans and designs are created, stored and presented electronically - in 3D renderings as well as floor plans. Easy for those of us who are 3D-challenged to follow.
In my view, outstanding in all areas. I can confidently recommend David without reservation.”

How do I find the best Corte Madera architect for my home design project?

It is best to hire a home architect who will be involved in all phases of the design process, from the initial concept to the completed construction. The architect is often the first person you will hire for your project. If necessary, they might also help you select and hire California subcontractors, which can include the builders, engineers and landscaper. Interior architects are also involved in negotiating contracts for all involved participants. It is for these reasons that it is extremely important for you to have a good relationship with the Corte Madera residential architect you hire. He or she can be the tie-breaking vote between you and the general contractor and can be your biggest advocate during the construction process. Different architecture firms in Corte Madera, CA provide different services, so the scope of the work can span from pre-design environmental impact studies to selecting furniture and finishes, depending on what your specific needs are.

What sort of process can I expect from a residential architect?

As far as the process goes, the architecture firm or individual that you choose will start with concept drawings and finish with construction drawings and documents. Some firms even design with 3D renderings and videos, but that should not be assumed. There should be plenty of meetings between you and your building designer until you have agreed upon a design that you are completely happy with. Always keep in mind that the designer will have building codes to follow, and likely pre-existing design limitations when dealing with a remodel, so while they might not be able to execute your exact ideas they always have your safety and aesthetics in mind. One of the most important duties of a residential architect is to serve as managers and supervise most aspects of construction, as well as facilitate communication between all other contractors, so you can expect them to be present throughout the entire building process to ensure everything is executed as planned.

It is very important to hire the right professional for the job. Remember that the most well-known or established designer might not provide the best architectural services for your needs. It all comes down to the individual project. Research and ask people whose work you like for recommendations. It's important to have somewhat of an idea of the style of house architecture that you prefer, as well as the amount you would like to spend. Residential architects in Corte Madera, CA are natural problem solvers. They will assess the entire situation and help you to solve your problems too. Don't settle for a single company too early. Call and interview a few. Make sure that you feel like your personalities will mesh well and that you like their professional perspective.

Questions to ask prospective Corte Madera interior architects:

What is your fee structure?

What does the cost include?

Do you have professional liability insurance?

Can you handle my special requests (ADA, LEED etc.)?

What types of renderings (3D, video, illustrative) will you produce?

What is your experience with similar projects?

When do you expect to start and be finished with the project?

What do your services include? (It's best that the services are until construction is completed.)

What happens when the cost exceeds the budget?

Can you provide me with references?

Would you say your work has a defining style? (This is important in case the architect's personal style will interfere with your vision.)

Will you help with hiring a general contractor and subcontractors?

What do you estimate the cost will be?

What will I need to provide?

Are there any complications you foresee with this project?

Find a home architect in Corte Madera, CA on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Corte Madera architects. You may also look through photos of California projects to find interior architects and building designers who have worked on a project similar to yours.